Submitted Photo Dancers with the Rinat Mouzafarov Institute of Dance & Ballet Theater pose Thursday with Sarah Heltzel, who performs as Carmen in the Western Plains Opera production. From left are (front) Eva Brady, Clara Withers, Tayler Christianson, Jacey Leifson, Addison Pringle, Francesca Renda, (back) Ruby Lormejuste, Olivia Christianson, Heltzel, Ashley Carr and Haleigh Carr. Photo by Ron Rouse.

Dancers with the Rinat Mouzafarov Institute of Dance & Ballet Theater in Minot will be participating in Western Plains Opera’s Sept. 8-9 production of “Carmen.”

Mouzafarov has created the choreography for his dancers and Sarah Heltzel, who portrays Carmen. Ten advanced dancers with the studio will perform a gypsy Spanish dance in the first act and a lyrical dance in the third act. Costuming was created by Tonya Lewis.

Mouzafarov said the opportunity for his students to work alongside opera professionals not only allows them to showcase their hard work but it increases their excitement about their art.

“The girls dance with heart and they do a quality job. I am very pleased, and the kids have a good time,” Mouzafarov said.

This is the 29th year Mouzafarov’s studio has worked with the local opera company and the third production of “Carmen” that he has been involved in.

Although there are no male dancers in this year’s show, Mouzafarov said the studio is recruiting boys and young men to be able to incorporate partner dances into its future programs. Scholarships for male dancers are available. The studio also is welcoming community input regarding interest in a potential adult ballet class for women.

Studio dancers will be performing at Norsk Hostfest and in a holiday production, “Gloria, Christmas Angel.”